Staff and pupils of Ysgol Greenhill in Tenby have raised over £12,000 in the fight against cancer by taking part in a sponsored coastal walk in support of former pupil Craig Maxwell who has been diagnosed with a rare form of genetic terminal lung cancer.
In September 2022, at the age of 40, Craig a former commercial director for the Welsh Rugby Union was diagnosed with a rare form of genetic lung cancer, EGFR+, which had also spread to his bones.
Married to wife Tracey, and with two children, eleven-year-old Isla and seven-year-old Zach, Craig has faced up to the fact that his terminal illness has given him and his family limited time together.
“With the four words ‘You have incurable cancer’ our lives changed forever and our future was taken away. Tracey and I agreed that we will not let this control the time we have left together as a family,” Craig explained on his JustGiving donation page towards the QuicDNA project, which aims to transform the ability to detect cancer quickly with blood samples or liquid biopsy.
“I will miss my children’s future. But whilst I can’t be there to give them the support I had planned to with Tracey, I can show them how strong and powerful people can be when we want to make a difference together,” continued Craig.
On Monday, July 17, Craig joined up with Tenby’s Secondary School - Ysgol Greenhill for a sponsored walk to raise money for the cause, with pupils and staff committed to raising funds in the fight against cancer, which affects so many in the community.
The walk was a 4.5 mile route covering much of Tenby, South Beach, Giltar and Penally.
“Our support for this particular project links to former Greenhill pupil Craig Maxwell, who was diagnosed with a rare form of genetic lung cancer, which is terminal,” said a spokesperson for Ysgol Greenhill.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who sponsored and contributed to that incredible sum of money, diolch!
“Finally, we would like to thank Tesco, Co-op, South Hook LNG, InSite Technical Services and Tenby Round Table for their support with this event.”
In May, Craig took on the Cardiff to Tenby charity cycle ride Carten1oo, and the month before ran the London Marathon. This week, on Monday, July 24, he set off on another ride from Cardiff to Paris to raise more money.
On his fundraising quest, which has so far taken him over a staggering £328,000, Craig said: “I have always been driven to help and make a difference, this is now the last time I can do it, and I want my children to see me fight this, and show them, in the face of adversity you can, and will make a difference regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in.”
In an interview to the national newspaper the Daily Mail this month, Craig said he wants his story and his legacy to demonstrate the ‘power of resilience’.
“I was told at the start of July I have between 10 and 18 months left,” he said.
“It’s important not to be defeated. When we told my children I had terminal cancer, the first thing my daughter said was “Daddy, I know you’ll do everything to fight this. I’m so proud of you.” It made me the proudest man ever. I want to show our children that even in the face of adversity you can – and will – pick yourself up and make a difference.”
“I’m sure people have seen me cycling or running round Penarth crying! When I am training I feel like I’m beating cancer and I say to myself that it picked the wrong body when it picked on me. But it will win its battles more in the future and that will be a real test of me staying strong.”
To donate to Craig’s fundraising for The QuicDNA Project and Velindre Cancer Centre, head to: https://craigmaxwell-quicdna.justgiving-sites.com
